ELECTRIC Dirt Bike DEBUT at Red Bull Straight Rhythm

Many of you reading this right now grew up around motorcycles. They are greasy, oily machines. The air filters need cleaning, the oil needs replacing, the coolant needs checking, and most importantly, the gas tank needs to be filled. But on Alta Motors' Redshift MX bike, every single one of those tedious bike maintenance practices are a thing of the past. The electric motorcycle need only be plugged in and charged, not unlike the phone and/or computer on which you are reading these words right now, and it is ready to race against any motorcycle in the world. With Josh Hill at the helm, the San Francisco-based manufacturer set out to prove to the world that electric technology is not only coming to motocross; it has arrived. The team's debut at Red Bull Straight Rhythm this year was a massive talking point coming into the race, and the Alta crew knew that the scrutinous and ruthless eyes of the motocross faithful were locked in on them at this year's race.
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[sampickford]

I think an electric bike would have more purpose off the track. Imagine a backyard course or trails with this bike! No more noise complaints, one less chance of getting caught too. I want one

[arielfetters]

The fact this bike, while still in development, could even keep up with pro race tuned machines is amazing. Damn good engineering folks, nice work.

[vanyapinda]

That's a lot of Monster advertisement in a Red Bull video.

[marzocchi]

I still can't perceive a dirtbike that doesn't make BRAAAP!!

[Pkurkowski]

i had the pleasure of riding one of these last weekend and it was amazing. it was the exact bike that Kurt Nicoll rode in the endurocross event on Oct 22nd at xfinity arena, i think he also won a few races on it. the owner of skagit powersports in WA offered to let me ride it. it has engine braking which is cool, if youre in mode 4 you just press the down arrow to mode 1 and as it goes through each mode it brakes the engine. not as drastically as you would notice with a clutch but its still there. i got it up to about 75mph on dirt and it was totally controllable. its instant power delivery, can never bog on you, and it feels like you can ALWAYS pull more torque out of the thing no matter where the throttle is at, it was impressive. the guy said they got about 4 hours out of one full charge, on the website it says 2 but in person i witnessed more than double that time, but i would give it more time and years to see if theres real degradation in the battery life etc. each mode is a relative increase in power output. in mode 1 it would be PERFECT for slow rock crawling and technical riding, rear tire does not slip and its just traction and torque all the way without stalling. but even in mode 1 it still rips, reminds me of my 250 4t. the power in mode 4 reminds me of my 450 exc. i found myself searching for the clutch and shifter lever and it was super weird at first. the bike has traditional rear brake pedal and front brake lever, but i would LOVE if they gave a rear brake lever on the left hand. i think KTM hit the mark with that. sitting on the bike the seat and handlebar configuration reminded me more of a 2 stroke like the Beta XTrainer, or the Husky Tx 300. Slim seat, doesnt saddle up so you can slide your crotch literally up to the triple clamps. but riding the bike it does feel more like a 4 stroke. it's about the same weight, that engine though it doesnt have many moving parts has to be heavy as shit. bike is about 250lbs and riding it it felt almost the exact same as my 450 exc. i definitely want and will most likely own one of these down the road when the technology has proven itself and improved itself for several years. another cool aspect i could see coming out of this technology would be the use of data. if they could plug a computer into this thing and while racing or on the test track you see your slow points and map averages. or even for the novice who could just track their speed averages and power output and acceleration data for a day out riding trying to beat old scores for a trail they love. all in all, i see a shit load of potential for this and i WILL own an E bike, whichever one it is.

[itskadenmiller]

imagine, you show up to the track on a 2 stroke and everyone else is on electric bikes.

[zaracing]

I'd love to see e-bike MX parks in the middle of big cities. But of course we need to keep our 2 strokes...

[fuckboywilloeisreal]

The biggest thing between electric motors and gas is torque... Gas has to rev up to horsepower.. Electric you just flip a switch and it all there.

[PHILPOP]

One advantage is that you can now have tracks in built up suburban areas and there is nothing for kill joys to call the cops about because there is no" noise pollution".

[Racer]

Wow the comments are a cesspool. People get pretty defensive when they see some innovation in the field. I'll tell you one thing, no engine can match the torque an electric motor can put out, and electric motors can put it out at any speed. They have a long way to go to be running moto's, but its still really cool to see innovation.

[BAJARACERX]

I can promise California will find some way to put a red sticker on this thing

[drooscek]

Josh and Ryan V. battling on thier 80's at Washougal back in the day is still some of the best racing i have ever seen!!!!

[forzerotoo]

I can’t imagine how hard that must be. To find the rhythm of the ground, bike, throttle, vibration ... everything, while you have a bike next to you making all of the noise on the track. So cool!!!

[garyjohnson]

We needed a silent dirtbike back when there were still neighborhood trails! Can't hide with the Elsinore!! ....yeah, I'm old..

[devodar]

Rethinking first post, I would like to give Josh huge props. I went back and found how he introduced himself to Alta and it's an interesting story. He is a great rider and seems like a great guy as well. The bike does have its place, and it is interesting to say the least. Toughest part will always be the smell, sound, and history behind our beloved two and four strokes. I will continue to watch especially if it's Josh on the bike. We'll stay tuned, no pun intended.

[hdrjunkie]

being electric, cant they hook up a speaker to it and just play a recording of a gas bikes BRAAP ?

[ejdean]

Watts the big deal? Why's everyone so amped up? Ohm man, An E- dirtbike!!

[SuperRideallday]

This was a game changer. I'm glad you got to be apart of that Josh Hill! Love you all!

[BUNKERJR]

Hard to believe you don't hear and smell the exhaust! " I love the smell of "Racing Oil" in the morning!!!! Especially

[victorgiannella]

Ronnie Mac: "My fire breathing CR will beat anything"